By Core Brake Parts Tech Team — Circleville, OH warehouse
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 uses DOT 4 brake fluid. Tesla's service manual names DOT 4 BASF Hydraulan 404 as the approved fluid, even though the reservoir cap is marked DOT 3, and it calls for a brake fluid health check every 4 years, replacing the fluid only if the test says it is contaminated.
That "test, then replace" approach is different from the fixed flush intervals many owners expect. Below is what the fluid spec means, how Tesla checks it, when a flush is actually due, and what else to look at while the wheels are off.
What Brake Fluid Does a 2017 Model 3 Take?
Tesla's Model 3 service manual fluids table lists DOT 4 BASF Hydraulan 404 (Tesla part number 1012041-10-C) as the approved brake fluid. The same table explains a detail that confuses a lot of owners: the brake fluid filler cap is stamped "DOT 3." Tesla states that marking is the minimum requirement, not an instruction to use only DOT 3.
Tesla's own do-it-yourself guidance adds one rule that matters more than the brand: use only new fluid from a sealed, air-tight container. Never reuse drained fluid and never pour from a bottle that has been sitting open on a shelf.
| Item | 2017 Model 3 specification |
|---|---|
| Approved fluid | DOT 4 BASF Hydraulan 404 |
| Tesla part number | 1012041-10-C |
| Cap marking | DOT 3 (minimum requirement) |
| Factory fill, non-Performance | 750 ml |
| Factory fill, Performance | 770 ml |
| Bleed valve torque | 18.5 Nm (13.6 lb-ft) |
| Fluid check interval | Health check every 4 years, replace if necessary |
The capacities are the amounts used at the factory. Tesla notes that some fluid stays in the system during service work, so treat those figures as a guide, not an exact refill amount. Buy more than one bottle so you never run short mid-bleed.
DOT 3 vs DOT 4: Why the Grade Matters
Both grades are glycol-based and are defined by federal standard FMVSS No. 116 (49 CFR 571.116). The difference is heat tolerance, both when the fluid is fresh (dry) and after it has absorbed water (wet):
| Grade | Minimum dry boiling point | Minimum wet boiling point | Max viscosity at -40 F |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOT 3 | 401 F (205 C) | 284 F (140 C) | 1,500 mm2/s |
| DOT 4 | 446 F (230 C) | 311 F (155 C) | 1,800 mm2/s |
The wet boiling point is the number that matters as fluid ages. Glycol fluid pulls moisture out of the air over time, and water lowers its boiling point. If fluid in a caliper boils during a long, hard stop, it forms vapor, and vapor compresses. The pedal goes soft or sinks. DOT 4's higher floor gives more margin, which is why it suits a car that can be driven hard.
Because both are glycol fluids, DOT 3 and DOT 4 are compatible with each other. Do not use DOT 5 silicone fluid in a Model 3: it is a different chemistry and is not what the system was filled with.
Why Tesla Tests Instead of Flushing on a Schedule
On a Model 3, regenerative braking does most of the everyday slowing, so the friction brakes are used far less than on a gas car. Pads and rotors last a long time, but brake fluid does not care about miles. It ages with time and humidity. A Model 3 that rarely touches its pads can still have wet, tired fluid after enough years.
That is why Tesla's maintenance schedule lists a brake fluid health check every 4 years (replace if necessary) rather than a mileage-based flush. The same schedule warns that heavy brake use from towing, mountain descents or performance driving, especially in hot and humid climates, may call for more frequent checks and replacements.
How the health check works
Tesla's service procedure pulls a small fluid sample from the front right caliper's bleed valve and reads it with BrakeStrip 100 test strips, which detect contamination in parts per million (PPM). The service manual lists this as a short job (0.12 flat-rate hours). The procedure reads the strip this way:
- Darker than the 100 PPM reference: a brake fluid bleed/flush is recommended.
- Same as or lighter than the 30 PPM reference: the fluid is fine; repeat the check in 4 years.
- Result hard to read: Tesla says to always assume the worse condition of the fluid.
If you do this yourself, retighten the bleed valve to 18.5 Nm (13.6 lb-ft) afterward and wipe up every drop. Brake fluid dissolves paint, and Tesla advises having clean towels and plenty of water ready to rinse any spill off painted surfaces.
Signs Your Model 3 Needs Brake Fluid Attention Now
You do not have to wait for the 4-year mark if the car is telling you something. Act sooner if you notice:
- A red brake indicator on the touchscreen. Tesla uses it to warn that fluid in the reservoir has dropped below the recommended level.
- More pedal travel than usual, or a pedal that feels soft or spongy.
- Visible fluid loss at a wheel, a hose, or around the reservoir.
- Fade after hard use, such as a long downhill grade or a track session.
Tesla is direct about the first two: contact service immediately if you notice increased brake pedal movement or a significant loss of brake fluid. Its owner guidance also says not to top up the reservoir yourself. A low level usually means worn pads or a leak, and adding fluid hides the symptom without fixing it.
What to Service at the Same Time
When the fluid is being tested or flushed, the wheels are already off, so it is the right time to look at the rest of the brake system:
- Calipers: Tesla's schedule calls for cleaning and lubricating the brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) in areas where roads are salted in winter. Because regen keeps the calipers from working hard, slide pins and pads can corrode and stick on Teslas in salt-belt states.
- Rotors: light use lets rust build up on rotor faces. Check for pitting, lips and uneven wear. If the rotors are past saving, see our brake rotor selection.
- Performance and track cars: if you drive your Model 3 hard enough to need fluid more often, upgraded rotors help manage heat too. We carry the GiroDisc A1-208 slotted front rotors for the Model 3 Performance and the matching GiroDisc A2-208 slotted rear rotors. For rear-wheel-drive cars, the EBC 3GD sport slotted rear rotors (GD7832) are built for the 2017-and-newer Model 3 RWD, and GiroDisc A2-202 slotted rear rotors cover the 2017-and-newer Model 3. Confirm your trim and brake package before ordering.
For hoses, hardware and everything else in the system, browse our full brake parts catalog.
Can You Flush Model 3 Brake Fluid Yourself?
The mechanical side is a standard bleed: fresh fluid in at the reservoir, old fluid out at each caliper's bleed valve until it runs clean, bleed valves torqued to spec. The Model 3 complicates it with its electronically controlled brake system. Tesla publishes its owner fluid check for information only and tells owners not to top up fluid themselves, and the full bleed procedure lives in the service manual, not the owner's manual.
If you are comfortable working from the factory service manual procedure, using fresh sealed DOT 4 fluid, and torquing the bleed valves to 18.5 Nm, it is a manageable job. If you are not, have it done by Tesla service or a shop that works on Teslas. Either way, test first: the 4-year check may show the fluid is still fine.
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Shop Brake Pads & Kits →Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2017 Tesla Model 3 use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid?
DOT 4. Tesla's service manual lists DOT 4 BASF Hydraulan 404 as the approved fluid. The DOT 3 marking on the cap is only the minimum requirement.
How often should I change the brake fluid in my Model 3?
Tesla calls for a brake fluid health check every 4 years and a replacement only if the test shows contamination. Towing, mountain driving, performance driving and hot, humid climates can justify checking more often.
How much brake fluid does a Model 3 hold?
The factory fill is 750 ml for non-Performance cars and 770 ml for the Performance model. A flush can use a different amount, so have extra sealed fluid on hand.
Can I mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 in my Tesla?
They are both glycol-based and compatible, but mixing brings the boiling point down toward DOT 3 levels. Since Tesla specifies DOT 4, use DOT 4 for flushes. Never add DOT 5 silicone fluid.
Why is my brake fluid low if my pads last forever?
A low level usually points to a leak or to pads that have finally worn down. Tesla advises contacting service for a significant fluid loss rather than topping up, because the cause needs to be found.
What torque do the Model 3 bleed valves take?
Tesla's service manual specifies 18.5 Nm (13.6 lb-ft) for the brake bleed valve.
Sources
- Tesla Model 3 Service Manual - Fluids and Capacities - DOT 4 BASF Hydraulan 404, part number, 750/770 ml capacities, DOT 3 cap note
- Tesla Model 3 Service Manual - Brake Fluid Check - test strip procedure, 30/100 PPM thresholds, bleed valve torque, flat-rate time
- Tesla Model 3 Do It Yourself - Maintenance Service Intervals - 4-year fluid health check, heavy-use note, caliper cleaning interval
- Tesla Model 3 Do It Yourself - Checking Brake Fluid - sealed-container rule, red indicator, do-not-top-up and contact-service warnings
- 49 CFR 571.116 (FMVSS No. 116) - Motor vehicle brake fluids - DOT 3 and DOT 4 dry and wet boiling points and cold viscosity limits
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